Jack S. Griggs
February 25, 1923 ~ August 4, 2017
Jack Sandifer Griggs
A gentleman and a kind and gentle man to all who knew him, died peacefully on the evening of Friday, August 4. Jack was born in Mexia, Texas on February 25, 1923 to Louis Amos "Curly" Griggs, who worked the oil fields, and Cynthia Clariece Sandifer, who raised four sons and a daughter in Oklahoma, after Curly died when Jack was only 13. His love affair with tennis began in college and he had just made the basketball team at East Central College in Ada, Oklahoma, when war was declared. He left school, like so many of the "Greatest Generation", joined the Marine Air Corp, earned his wings, was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant, and flew numerous missions in Corsairs while stationed in the Pacific. After the war he earned a BS degree in petroleum engineering at Oklahoma University and won Big Six Conference tennis titles. He drove a Model A to Chicago with his tennis partner to compete in the nationals. Jack had known June Barnett as childhood friends, a friendship that grew, and continued with many letters during Jacks military service. After the war the Barnetts had moved to Wichita where Jack and June were married in a double ceremony with Junes sister Kathryn, and Bill Cruce. Jack and June moved to Hill City, KS where Jack worked in the oil patch for Barnett Drilling Co, and where Nancy and Ross were born. They later moved to Wichita where Jane and Rick were born, where Jack and June made a permanent home and became a part of the community. Jack founded Griggs Oil Inc where he built a successful career and kept office hours until just this spring. Jack was an active member of Bulls & Bears, Grumpy Old Men, the Petroleum Club, the Society of Professional Engineers, the Kansas Geological Society, the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Assoc., Millbrook Lodge in Hill City, the Scottish Rite, a founding member of Metropolitan Baptist Church and a current member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. He played competitive golf and tennis (until he was 87) at Wichita Country Club winning championships in both and won the city four-ball title. He drove Meals on Wheels for 19 years until the age of 90. He remained an active member in the OU Alumni Assoc. Jack and June took their children on many grand vacations where Jack was always one of the kids. A natural athlete, he taught them all to water ski, snow ski, and play tennis or golf. He continued his enthusiasm for flying with a Beech Bonanza he used for business and travel. A high point for Jack was in 2011, when he was accompanied by Nancy on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC. On August 31 Jack and June would have celebrated 71 years of marriage. He is survived by June, and his four children, Nancy Griggs (Plano, TX), Ross (Bonnie) Griggs (Derby, KS), Jane (Reuben) Saunders (Wichita, KS) and Rick (Stephanie) Griggs (Grand Junction, CO). He was "Papa" to his ten grandchildren - Zach Griggs, Jordan Gardenhire, Gabe Griggs, Taylor Collins, Claire Selva, James Collins, Geneva Monforte, Luke Griggs, Maleah Griggs and Angelica Steed, and five great grandchildren. The last survivor of his siblings, Jack remained "father" to and is survived by, his numerous well-loved nieces and nephews. Without hesitation, he "adopted" all the members of their extended families and they were all special to him. He is also survived by his friend, right hand, and trusted office manager of 41 years, Virginia Smith. Jack was a loving and encouraging father who taught by example. He made everyone around him feel important and special and those who knew him remember a man of strength, character, generosity and kindness. A man of humility and reserve, the only way to know of his accomplishments in life was to learn of them from others. Services will be held at 2pm on Friday August 11, 2017, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Memorial is with Meals on Wheels, 200 S. Walnut, Wichita, KS 67213. Jacks family thanks the Larksfield Health Care and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice professionals, all of whom delivered kindness and excellent care to him in his final days.
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Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you Jack for your service to this nation. U.S. Marine Corps, WWII. Aviator, F4U Corsairs.